cHoCoLaTe HoLiDaY gRaNoLa!

Where I live in the northeastern USA, it’s cold in December. It’s also a busy time getting ready for this month’s holidays. This is a wonderful treat and makes a great gift which is why I usually have to make double batches! It’s another version of my original Global Staci Granola and it is simply sublime. I use all organic ingredients and I recommend you do too. Happy Holidays!

Mix together in a big bowl:

2 ½ cups gluten free rolled oats

1 cup unsweetened dried banana chips

1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut

½ cup raw pecans

½ cup raw walnuts

¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

2 Tbsp. sesame seeds

1 tsp. sea salt

½ cup cocoa powder (sifted to get the lumps out)

Stir together and then add to the dry ingredients:

½ cup real maple syrup

½ cup melted coconut oil

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Dump the mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet and spread out evenly. Put into the oven and turn down the temperature to 310 degrees. Bake for 40 minutes then turn down the oven temperature again to 200 degrees and bake for another 40 minutes. Remove from oven.

After the granola is baked and out of the oven add:

½ cup dried cherries

½ cup golden raisins

2 Tbsp. chia seeds

2 Tbsp. hemp seeds

Let cool completely (especially if you are bagging or jarring for gifts) then break up with a spoon or spatula. I keep mine in a glass jar on the counter and it lasts for as long as it takes to be eaten, which usually isn’t very long!